How do you manage conflicts between patients who have differing opinions on the appropriate care pathway?

Shared decision making that occurs between provider and patient can only be effective by listening and understanding the patients perspective of their illness and plan of care. It is the providers responsibility to share the evidence and data that can be used to make an informed decision. Its not about conflicting opinions but rather appreciating how the evidence can lead to best outcomes.

In my experience there is more difficulty dealing with family members who have varying opinions about treatment of the person being cared for both in acute and long term facilities. It is important to ensure it is the person in care is fully informed of their options and as a nurse ensure they are the person who receives their wishes. There are often mixed emotions especially in families including denial, guilt, regrets that influence choices. As a care professional it is imperative we listen carefully to our patients wherever they may be and ensure their decisions are based on being informed, then supported. For health professionals that may mean taking a step back to reflect on where their own opinions/ biases are coming from.

Managing such patients can be challenging, but it can be done effectively through clear communication skills, explaining them with patience and educating them about our system of treatment. In my experience, especially with homoeopathy, the patient usually comes well informed. When we start the case taking process, which is usually an elaborative one, not only involving the symptoms of the disease, but also the state of mind, which we consider for treatment, the prospective of them for the other stream of medicine which he was under previously changes. We encourage open and respectful dialogue between us. When our Individualized and patient specific plans meet individual needs and preferences, this approach mostly reduce the conflicts.

One thing I’ve found helpful would be to ensure each person has ample time to articulate their thoughts without interruptions. That way the other patient will be able to hear everything clearly so that they can respond appropriately. I make it a strong point to include that if any sort of foul language or condescending statements are made then the debate will be brought to an end. In doing this it creates an environment where both patients can either agree or agree to disagree in respect without offending anyone.

One thing I have found valuable is to look at the situation from the perspective of the patient and family. Oftentimes, the conflict is there because healthcare professionals are attempting to impose their opinions on the patient without looking at it from their perspective. We believe we have the knowledge, so they should listen to us and it becomes an “us vs them” mentality. Although it takes more time, once I take the time to sit and listen to them, I become empathetic, which leads to care and compassion. Once the patient knows I care, this leads to trust. In the end, the patient may choose a pathway that I do not agree with, but as long as they know they can trust me, the door will be open for future conversations.

Ensure the patient has accurate information, clarify any misunderstandings through clear explanations, and convey medical information correctly. Communicate the realities of care, including challenges and constraints, while highlighting the efforts made by the care teams. Consider cultural differences and adapt the approach accordingly

Empower patients with clear, comprehensive information about their care options. Avoid overwhelming them with jargon; instead, present data in a relatable way. Knowledgeable patients make informed decisions, reducing misunderstandings. Equip them with the tools to weigh their choices confidently, fostering a cooperative environment where they feel valued and understood, thus minimizing conflicts rooted in misinformation.

I’m a big believer in the fact that proper patient education opens minds and softens a formerly hardened stance. That being said, a patient always has the right to say no to a procedure. As health care providers we need to respect our patients and ensure we do our part to make sure whatever decision they make is an informed one.

Education, everyone needs it now apparently! As an advocate, invest in knowing new approaches and up to date trends in this dynamic scientific field. As the expert in the field these patients need some of that knowledge.

En el caso de la Diabetes Mellitus, que es una enfermedad crónica la educación no solo es parte del tratamiento, es el tratamiento en si. Una patología que es demandante 100% necesita saber cómo manejarse, cómo generar habilidades para el manejo de la frustración y cómo evitar agotarse. No es sólo cuestión de cómo aprender a usar un dispositivo, en el caso de DM es también saber qué hacer si el dispositivo no funciona y cómo evito que me afecte la vida y las relaciones a mi alrededor. La educación debe ser clara, amable, dinámica, específica para cada grupo generacional en su circulo de vida.

Being an effective mediator means maintaining equal distance between both parties, understanding each perspective, addressing issues, resolving disagreements, and bridging differences to find mutually beneficial solutions that enhance patient care.

Effective mediation isn't just about finding middle ground—it's about creating a space where diverse perspectives can coexist and inform better healthcare outcomes. By employing active listening techniques and leveraging emotional intelligence, we can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for improved patient care and satisfaction. Remember, successful mediation often leads to systemic improvements. Each resolved conflict provides valuable insights into patient needs and system shortcomings. Let's view mediation not just as a problem-solving tool, but as a catalyst for continuous improvement in our healthcare delivery models.

As a neutral mediator, your goal is to bridge differing opinions with empathy and impartiality. Facilitate open discussions where each patient feels heard and respected. Encourage the expression of concerns and aspirations, steering conversations toward common ground. Effective mediation transforms potential discord into collaborative solutions, ensuring that all voices contribute to a balanced and mutually acceptable care plan.

Mediate and fairly should be in the same sentence when referring to a Mediator cause anything other than fair in mediation means there's a biased trait which ethics do not allow in a person that calibre. Having known that, Weigh in both parties involved in terndem and participate in their perspective before challenging them.

En mi experiencia, procurar el enfoque en el bienestar colectivo y no únicamente en el bienestar individual nos permite ser más empáticos, solidarios y conscientes que si yo no estoy bien, hay otros que pueden estar mucho peor. La mediación debe servir para encontrar puntos en común, pero especialmente, para priorizar el bienestar colectivo, no el individual.

Patient testimonials are essential. Encouraging structured discussions and exchanges of opinions among patients can help find beneficial solutions for their well-being and care journey.

La importancia de las redes de apoyo que ayudan a resignificar lo que es vivir con una condición y permiten facilitar el entendimiento de lo que estamos viviendo en el día a día. Escucharnos entre sí permite escalar las emociones y darles una observación más profunda a lo que hacemos como individuos y como grupos de familias.

Discussing a patients daily tasks and what their upcoming appointments look like, can help with planning testing and what medications may be best fit for their lifestyle i.e. taken once or twice daily, blood thinners. The patients input is valuable in making decisions for their care.

It is extremely important to remember exactly whose care it is that we are advocating for. It's not just one type of person's care. It's everyone's care. We must also understand that with that comes cultural and other differences that may present challenges for us. But we cannot start making decisions based off of our own beliefs. We have to remain neutral and middle ground, and bipartisan. It's not easy in today's climate, but it's important to remember what's right for me may not be for someone else but it doesn't mean that they don't deserve to have access to and knowledge of ALL available options for their individual circumstances, especially and even if they don't always line up with our own beliefs.

This is a very important aspect of patient care indeed! A prime example of this being carried out to the fullest is at the end of life when families are not ready for hospice or the patients don’t want to give up and want to continue with curative measures when it seems hopeless. My job is to educate, understand motives/desires and support. We may tend to want to encourage a different outcome based on our experiences but our experiences are not the patients reality! Support and respect always.

This is a very important aspect of patient care indeed! A prime example of this being carried out to the fullest is at the end of life when families are not ready for hospice or the patients don’t want to give up and want to continue with curative measures when it seems hopeless. My job is to educate, understand motives/desires and support. We may tend to want to encourage a different outcome based on our experiences but our experiences are not the patients reality! Support and respect always.

Siempre le digo a mis pacientes "nadie decide sobre tu cuerpo" y también les digo "necesitamos pacientes activos, no pasivos". No es el médico únicamente el que decide la terapia y el tratamiento. Son los dos en equipo. Si el profesional informa y comunica de manera clara lo que va a suceder en mi cuerpo con el tratamiento, yo seguramente estaré más consciente de tomar una decisión responsable sobre lo que quiero y deseo para mí. La autonomía del paciente y de las organizaciones de pacientes es clave para mejorar la adherencia y sembrar relaciones de largo plazo, respectivamente.

I agree in respecting autonomy. People have the right to request or refuse care. Having the ability to ask for second opinion should always be encouraged. Being a resource when patients are advocating for themselves also plays a role.

There are ten Nuremberg Code ethics that are not negotiable. Everything else requires listening, thinking, deciding, implementing and reviewing. Reviewing is best done with two methods: survey or checklist reviews, and meeting and consulting before and after changes.